The Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), launched in 2025, is seen as a major opportunity for ASEAN, combining Malaysia’s land and labor with Singapore’s capital and connectivity. However, its success depends on solving Malaysia’s complex legal and governance challenges. Past failures like Forest City show how weak regulation, overlapping jurisdictions and poor coordination can derail major projects. To avoid repeating mistakes, experts call for a dedicated JS-SEZ law, a binding master plan, empowered technical agencies, stronger community inclusion, and transparent, sustainable energy planning. Without these reforms, the JS-SEZ risks falling short of its transformative potential.
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